Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was spotted on the practice field in London as he continues to rehab an elbow injury while the NFL stages its annual UK showcase. Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow during the Week Two clash with the Dallas Cowboys, yet he traveled with the squad to England ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former No. 2 overall draft pick missed the previous weekend’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a game in which veteran Marcus Mariota stepped in at quarterback and guided Washington to a stunning 33-31 upset over the defending Super Bowl champions. On Wednesday, Daniels participated in a light jog while wearing a protective brace, a visual cue that his recovery is progressing but still far from complete. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the team will not rush the young quarterback back onto the field before he is fully ready.
"We won’t put him out there before he’s ready. That’s why it’s important to trust the process. But seeing him back on the field is a positive step for us," Quinn told the media. He added that it is "too early to call" whether Daniels will suit up for the London game, which kicks off the NFL’s three‑game stretch in the United Kingdom over the next month.
"As we get into Thursday and Friday, we’ll see what that load looks like," Quinn explained. "By Friday we’ll have a definite determination of where we’re at. Until then we’ll keep working and start the process, but it would be too early to call." Mariota’s performance in Week Three was impressive: he completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns, steering Washington to a 33‑31 win over Seattle.
The Colts, meanwhile, entered the London trip after a narrow 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans, and they are scheduled to arrive in England two days later than the Commanders. Daniels’ elbow trouble is not new. He first sustained the same injury in Week Nine of the previous season, only to re‑aggravate it five weeks later, causing him to miss the final four games of that campaign.
That season was also marred by knee and hamstring setbacks, which interrupted what had been an outstanding rookie year that culminated in him earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. "His drive is always strong to return to play," Quinn remarked.
"Any athlete would probably tell you that when you go through something a second time you have a known road map of what the recovery looks like. We all feel that way. He knows the process, the mobility, the strength required.
There’s a known point when you’re truly ready." Sunday’s contest will mark the 43rd regular‑season NFL game held in the United Kingdom since the league first ventured across the Atlantic in 2007. It will also be a historic moment for Quinn, who noted that this will be his first game as a head coach on English soil. "This is my first game as a coach in England and I’m pumped to be here," the Commanders’ head coach said to reporters. He went on to explain that while fans often focus on the novelty of travel, customs, or the stadium itself, the core of preparation remains unchanged.
"People often ask me or the team what’s different about international games – you think about travel, customs, the venue. But what I want to emphasize is what stays the same: the anchors of our Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routines. That’s why we come early, to get back into that process.
The quicker we get back to normal, the less we have to worry about what’s different." Looking ahead, the Commanders will be closely monitoring Daniels’ workload in the next few days. If the medical staff determines that his elbow can tolerate the rigors of an NFL game, Quinn is prepared to give the rookie a chance to return to the starting role. If not, Mariota will likely continue to lead the offense, providing the team with a seasoned veteran who has already proven he can manage high‑pressure situations. The broader context of the NFL’s London series adds extra excitement.
The league has used the overseas games to grow its global fan base, and each matchup draws a mix of local supporters and traveling American fans. For players, the experience can be both a logistical challenge and a unique cultural moment, offering a chance to play in iconic venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which boasts a retractable pitch and a capacity that rivals many U.S. stadiums. In terms of stakes, Washington is eager to maintain momentum after its upset win over Seattle.
A victory in London would not only boost the team’s record but also reinforce its resilience in the face of adversity, especially with its starting quarterback’s health still in question. For the Colts, the game presents an opportunity to continue their winning streak and secure an early foothold in the AFC East race. Fans watching from home can catch the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every minute of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. Sky Sports also offers streaming options through NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a traditional contract.
In summary, while Jayden Daniels’ participation remains uncertain, the Commanders are approaching the London game with a clear plan: prioritize player health, maintain a consistent preparation routine, and seize the chance to compete on an international stage. Whether Daniels returns to the starting lineup or continues his rehab, the team will rely on its depth and coaching acumen to navigate the challenges of playing abroad and to strive for a win in front of a global audience.